A Brief, Fascinating History of the Computer Mouse

Posted by DougDeals Team | June 10, 2025

It All Started With Wood and Wires

It’s hard to imagine now, but the first computer mouse wasn’t plastic, sleek, or even particularly small—it was made of wood. Back in 1964, a visionary named Douglas Engelbart built a boxy little contraption with two wheels and a single button. No lasers, no scroll wheel—just a raw idea with a ton of potential.

The Name That Stuck

According to Engelbart, the nickname “mouse” just sort of… happened. The cord looked like a tail, and the name stuck. Funny how something so random can become so iconic.

The Rise of the Mouse (and the PC)

The mouse didn’t go mainstream right away. It wasn’t until the 1980s—when Apple released the Lisa and then the Macintosh—that people started to really understand what this odd little device could do. By the time Windows 95 hit the shelves, the mouse was essential.

Optical Mice: No More Mouse Balls

If you ever had to clean gunk out of a mouse ball, you’re not alone. In the late ‘90s, optical mice started replacing mechanical ones. No more rollers, no more cleaning—just light sensors and smooth movement.

Wireless, Ergonomic, and the Future

Today’s mice are wireless, touch-sensitive, programmable—even vertical. Whether you’re gaming, designing, or just answering emails, there’s a mouse designed for the job. Some even connect via Bluetooth and charge wirelessly.

From Click to Touch

These days, the humble mouse is sharing the spotlight with trackpads, styluses, and even voice commands. But let’s face it: nothing beats a satisfying click when you're getting things done.

Jun 10th 2025 Dougdeals